Former MP for Shipley joins as the Racecourse Association’s member nominated director to replace Wilf Walsh
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has confirmed the appointment of Sir Philip Davies to the board of directors.
Sir Philip joins as the Racecourse Association (RCA)’s member nominated director (MND) on an interim basis, replacing Wilf Walsh, who has served as one of the RCA’s two MNDs since October 2021.
Sir Philip joined the RCA Board earlier this year after serving as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Shipley from 2005 to 2024.
During his tenure as a MP, he served as joint Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Betting and Gaming and vice chair of the APPG for Racing and Bloodstock.
Sir Philip is currently chairman of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain and the National Horseracing College in Doncaster, and is a former Board member of the Racehorse Owners Association.
BHA chair Simon Cox commented: “I am pleased to welcome Sir Philip to the BHA Board. Throughout his time in Parliament he was a strong advocate for racing and betting, helping to ensure the interests of our sport were understood by his fellow politicians, and I look forward to working with him. I would also like to thank Wilf Walsh for his significant contribution to the Board over the past five years.”
Sir Philip Davies said: “I am delighted to be joining the BHA Board to represent the interests of racecourses. Racing is a sport and industry for which I have long held a strong interest and I look forward to working with Board members and stakeholders across the sport to support its long-term success.”